From 5 January 2026, the Australian Government is introducing a new 3 Day Guarantee under the Child Care Subsidy (CCS).
In simple terms, most eligible families will now receive at least three days of subsidised childcare each week, regardless of how many hours they work or study.
Here’s what that means for you and your child.
The 3 Day Guarantee Explained
Guaranteed Minimum of 72 Hours Per Fortnight
All eligible families will receive at least 72 hours of subsidised care per fortnight. That’s around three days per week.
If you were previously entitled to fewer hours under the old activity test, your subsidised hours will automatically increase to this new minimum.
Up to 100 Hours Still Available
Families who meet higher activity requirements, such as more than 48 hours of work, study or training per fortnight, can still access up to 100 hours of subsidised care.
Families caring for an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander child will receive at least 100 hours of subsidised care per fortnight.
Income Limits Still Apply
Your subsidy percentage will continue to depend on your combined family income.
Families earning above the CCS income cap, currently around $535,279 combined, are not eligible for the subsidy.
If you already receive CCS, the move to the new guaranteed hours will happen automatically.
What This Means for Your Fees
One of the biggest questions parents ask is: will my fees change?
The number of subsidised hours you can access may increase. However, the percentage of your fees covered by CCS is still based on your family income.
If you move from fewer than 72 hours to the new guaranteed minimum, you may find it easier to add an extra day without paying full fees.
If you are unsure how this will affect your out-of-pocket costs, our team is always happy to talk it through with you.
What This Doesn’t Change
We know updates like this can raise concerns. Here’s some reassurance.
Your CCS Percentage Still Depends on Income
The 3 Day Guarantee changes the number of subsidised hours available. It does not change the percentage the Government contributes. That is still determined by your combined family income.
Your Child’s Current Booking Remains the Same
Nothing about your existing days changes unless you decide to adjust them. Your child’s place with us remains secure.
You Do Not Need to Reapply
If you already receive CCS, the new minimum hours will be applied automatically. There is no need to submit a new claim.
How to Prepare for 2026
A few simple steps can help everything run smoothly.
Keep Your Income Estimate Up to Date
Make sure your family income estimate in myGov is accurate. This helps avoid unexpected adjustments at tax time.
Check Your Details
Log in to your myGov account and confirm your personal details are current so your CCS continues without interruption.
Review Your Booking If You Would Like More Days
If you were previously limited to one or two days and would now like to move to three days per week, come and speak with our administration team. We can talk you through availability and help adjust your booking if needed.
We’re Here to Help
We understand that childcare fees are a significant part of family life. Our aim is to keep things clear and straightforward so you can plan ahead with confidence.
If you have questions about how the 2026 CCS changes affect your family, please have a chat with us. We’re here to help you make the most of the new arrangements.
